JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office says a weekend enforcement operation targeted a bar on Edgewood Avenue following repeated complaints about illegal alcohol sales and violent incidents.
According to the sheriff’s office, residents had reported concerns about Tipsy, alleging the business was serving alcohol to minors, selling alcohol after Florida’s 2 a.m. legal cutoff, and experiencing repeated violent incidents.
Police said officers have responded to two shootings and numerous other disturbances at the bar in recent months.
Over the weekend, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Vice Unit, working alongside the Narcotics Unit, Community Problem Response Unit, Code Enforcement, the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (AB&T), and the Fire Marshal’s Office, conducted a joint enforcement operation at the business.
Authorities said that while hundreds of patrons were still at the establishment Saturday night, investigators observed three individuals selling alcohol after the legal 2 a.m. cutoff time.
The three suspects were issued criminal citations. Officials said the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco also launched its own investigation into additional alleged violations.
“We’re not the fun police,” the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “But we will crack down on bars and restaurants breaking the law. It’s not to stop the party but to keep everyone safe.”
The sheriff’s office said it will continue working with partner agencies to ensure Jacksonville businesses comply with state law and operate in a manner that protects patrons and the surrounding community.